LOS ANGELES — USC quarterback JT Daniels is on track to play at Texas.

Daniels, who suffered a bruised throwing hand in the first quarter of last Saturday’s 17-3 loss at Stanford, returned to practice Tuesday and went through the padded workout without much issue.

“It’s a lot better,” Daniels said. “I’m close to 100 (percent) right now.”

Daniels seemed to progress throughout the two-hours-long practice at Howard Jones Field. Some of his earlier throws in individual drills looked more wobbly before showing a tighter spiral in 11-on-11 drills to conclude the practice.

Trojans coach Clay Helton said afterward that he was left confident Daniels would be available to play against the Longhorns.

Sign up for Home Turf and get exclusive stories every SoCal sports fan must read, sent daily. Subscribe here.

“I thought he was decisive, especially in our last period when we’re trying to give him the best look possible with our defense,” Helton said. “He let it go. I didn’t see any hesitation. I didn’t see any wincing. He had a good bruise. It hurts like heck when you bang it off the helmet. But after a couple days and rehab, it feels great. He really looked good.”

A day earlier, Daniels first resumed throwing during a light workout. It was an encouraging development after he had been expected to rest until Tuesday.

Helton said that Daniels was also “spinning it really good” on Monday, though his hand had been tender.

MRI results revealed he had sustained a hand contusion against the Cardinal. He missed one series as a result of the injury, occurring when his hand landed on another player’s helmet on the opening drive following a throw.

“It’s just an adjustment I had to make,” Daniels said. “I can’t point you out to a specific. ‘Oh, like, I couldn’t throw the corner route.’ Or something like that. It was just an in-game adjustment. It’s football. And it happens. And it’s something I gotta be able to handle.”

Daniels, who became only the second true freshman in school history to start a season opener at quarterback in a win over UNLV, completed 16 of 34 passes for 215 yards with two late-game interceptions in Week 2 against Stanford.

Daniels said he was forced to make adjustments during the game regarding how he gripped the ball, but his hand had felt better enough in practice Tuesday that he felt it no longer necessary.

It is likely Daniels will face significant pressure in the pocket against Texas.

He already has through two games, as the Trojans have allowed six sacks, including four in the loss to Stanford.

Texas defensive lineman Charles Omenihu told local reporters Tuesday that a key factor would be to “get to him.”

“I don’t think that young quarterback wants to get hit that many times,” Omenihu said. “If you keep hitting him, and pressuring him, he’s gonna fold, just like any quarterback will.”

WATCHING DARNOLD

As Sam Darnold led the New York Jets to a win over the Detroit Lions, throwing for a 198 yards and two touchdowns, they gathered at the team dining hall adjacent to the McKay Center, their football facility.

Darnold’s stellar performance overcame a pick-6 on his first snap.

“Typical Sam,” Helton said. “Go out there and throw an interception on his first play, smile, laugh it off, then go 18 of 20 in the next 20 passes. As soon as I saw the pick-6 and I saw him smiling, I told the boys, ‘Watch what he’s getting ready to go. I’ve seen that smile before.’ All of a sudden, you look up, Sam’s Sam. He does what he does and finds ways to win.”

Helton said he exchanged congratulatory text messages with Darnold after the game.

TIGHT END HELP

Sophomore tight end Josh Falo returned to practice Tuesday, a boost to a position group that has seen a quiet start to the season.

The Trojans’ tight ends caught only two passes in the first two games — one each by Tyler Petite and Erik Krommenhoek.

Helton said Falo is “very close” to making a return after he missed the first two games due to a hamstring injury.

“Josh is an offensive weapon that we love to use,” Helton said. “He’s been effective for us in the past.”

QUICK HITS

Safety Bubba Bolden remains absent due to an undisclosed matter. “I have no new news for you,” Helton said. … USC athletic director Lynn Swann attended Tuesday’s practice. … Cornerback Isaiah Langley was limited in practice due to hip/groin injuries. … Reserve offensive tackle Jalen McKenzie was held out due to an illness.

Joey Kaufman is the USC beat writer for the Southern California News Group. Since joining the Orange County Register in 2015, he has also covered Major League Baseball and UCLA athletics. His work has been recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors and Football Writers Association of America. Kaufman grew up in beautiful downtown Burbank.